Best Frugal Living Tips: 150+ Frugal Living Tips To Start Today (2024)

I’m sure you’ve heard it’s the little things in life that count. You know what? It’s true. Knowing what it takes to live frugally or “thrifty’ as some say is something that can significantly impact your life in a positive way.

Being aware of some of the best frugal living tips is one of the easiest ways to save yourself a ton of money or maybe even get yourself out of debt.

If you’re new to this whole frugal living thing you may be asking what’s the difference between frugal and cheap? Let me begin by saying there’s a HUGE difference.

Living frugally is when you live your life with intention. You assess the bigger picture and are resourceful with your spending so that you can have more of the things you really care about. By maximizing your money you’re able to fund your life long dreams.

Living cheaply is just that… cheap! One who saves money at the expense of another.

For example, I would NEVER EVER dream of leaving less than a 10% tip when dining out.- (Don’t worry my standard is 20% , I’ve done my time working as a server;)

But if a person “forgets” to leave a tip at a restaurant that’s just plain right cheap.

Cheap and frugal people both love to save money, but frugal people will not do so at the expense of others. Cheap people use price as their bottom line; frugal people use value as their bottom line.

When a person decides its time to start saving money or get themselves out of debt there are tons of things they can do to accomplish this.

But lucky you, you don’t have to scour the internet for hours for the best frugal living tips because I’ve gathered them into one huge master resource right here

Table of Contents

What Does Frugal Living Mean?

The definition provided by Wikipedia for frugality is this: The quality of being frugal, sparing, thrifty, prudent or economical in the consumption of consumable resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance.

Got that? In a nutshell frugal living is simply giving up things that aren’t necessary to get to where you want to be in the future.

Learning to be frugal is about focusing on what you want your future to look like. Do you have an emergency fund so that you don’t have to worry about things later in life? Are you staying out of debt and able to pay all of your bills each month?

Frugal living isn’t about being cheap! It’s also not about deprivation or sacrifice but more about discipline.

Depending on your own life circumstances and long term goals, your idea of frugality may be a bit different to mine. That’s TOTALLY ok.

To begin this whole frugal living thing, pick a couple frugal living tips from the list below and see if they work for you. If not, ditch them and try a couple new ones.

For me, I make my own coffee at home, I bike to work rather than driving, and I never order a dessert while dining out.

The reason for this is because I find saving small amounts of money each and every day adds up to a big savings later on. I’d rather allocate my money to bigger dreams for longterm payouts

Frugal Living Tips To Save Money On Food

  1. Meal plan
  2. Set a food budget
  3. Eat at home
  4. Use up all leftovers
  5. Pack your lunch and snacks for work
  6. Grow your own food
  7. Purchase food in bulk
  8. Have meatless Mondays
  9. Check the clearance sections
  10. Use a Shopping App like Ibotta to save money on groceries
  11. Invest in a deep freezer
  12. Use a crockpot Instapot to cook food, always make enough for leftovers
  13. Substitute ingredients in recipes if you don’t have the item
  14. Buy produce in season.
  15. Meal prep to save time and money
  16. Grow your own herbs with this
  17. Make your own stock from veggies and chicken and turkey carcasses
  18. Save money on your groceries by checking the unit price
  19. Cut your grocery bill in half by doing some of these things
  20. Stock your pantry when you find things on sale
  21. Stop going through the drive thru
  22. Stop (or just cut back) on your favorite alcoholic beverage
  23. Buy chicken or turkeys whole and divide/ slice the meat yourself
  24. Can or freeze seasonal fruits and veggies
  25. Only buy organic for the dirty dozen
  26. Try 5 Dollars Meals to help you meal plan affordably

Frugal Living Tips To Save You Money Around Your House

  1. Install energy saving lightbulbs
  2. Save money on electricity by reading these tips
  3. Invest in energy saving appliances
  4. Fully load both clothing and dish washers before starting them
  5. Turn off lights when you leave a room
  6. Use cozy blankets to stay warm in the winter
  7. Install a low flow water conserver
  8. Soak your fruits and veggies in a water/vinegar bath instead of running tap water
  9. Use a device like this to decrease phantom electricity – easily turn off all appliances with one switch
  10. Adjust your thermostat a couple degrees up or down depending on the season to save a bit of electricity
  11. Purchase energy efficient thick curtains to keep the heat in or out.
  12. Don’t block air vents
  13. Regularly change air vents so they function properly
  14. Run your appliances during the night to save money on electricity
  15. Don’t buy single use products like paper towels
  16. Invest in weather stripping to keep the hot/cold air where it should be
  17. Keep your freezer full to save on energy costs

Frugal Living Tips For Laundry And House Cleaning

  1. Save money on cleaning supplies by making some of your own
  2. Air dry you clothes on a clothes line in the summer
  3. Make your own frugal cleaning detergents to save you money
  4. Decrease drying time by using something like this or just a ball of aluminum to speed up the process
  5. Ditch paper towels and go for something reusable like this microfiber
  6. Wash your clothes in cold water
  7. Wear a pair of jeans a couple of times before washing
  8. Declutter and sell things

Frugal Living Tips To Help You Save Money On Clothes

  1. Purchase clothes during the off season (or at the end of season)
  2. Repurpose clothing- Turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags
  3. Shop with cash or the cash envelope system
  4. Don’t window shop
  5. Learn how to do a basic stitch to repair your own clothes
  6. Focus on value not quantity
  7. Shop at thrift store or consignment
  8. Use shopping apps like Honey

Frugal Living Tips To Save You On Entertainment and Activities

  1. Use websites like Groupon to save you money on activities
  2. Take a hike-enjoy the outdoors
  3. Play card games
  4. Only meet friends for food or a drink during happy hour
  5. Use these tips to save money when going out with friends
  6. Participate in a no-spend weekend with some of these ideas
  7. Picnic at the park
  8. Relax at the beach or park
  9. Create your own spa night at home
  10. Visit a free concert in your local park
  11. Learn something by attending your local library’s educational series
  12. See what’s new at the local farmers market
  13. Have a home movie night by renting them at the library
  14. Cut yours or your partners hair- There are great youtube tutorials
  15. Go swimming, for a run, or go skating
  16. Browse local garages sales or flea markets
  17. Garden
  18. Go fishing
  19. Create a theme night activity
  20. Potluck party with friends
  21. Use your local library or an app like Overdrive instead of buying books
  22. People watch-I think this is ALWAYS fun!

Frugal Tips For Managing Your Money

  1. Take advantage of cash back apps like Ebates and Ibotta
  2. Don’t buy unnecessary things
  3. Have family discussions about your money
  4. Use the cash envelope system to manage your money
  5. Create a budget
  6. Never pay ATM fees
  7. Track your money through Personal Capital
  8. Check your bank statements and bills for any errors
  9. Track where your money goes
  10. Track your net worth
  11. Make Money with Acorns
  12. Create an emergency fund
  13. Avoid late fees
  14. Make extra money with your hobbies
  15. Sign up with CIT bank to get some of the best banking rates

Frugal Living Tips For Bills

  1. Don’t auto renew insurances, find the best quotes each year
  2. Use Trim to monitor your monthly bills
  3. Switch cellphone carriers to one more affordable
  4. Fix your broken stuff, don’t jump to buy new – use YouTube tutorials
  5. Cut cable or reduce to a basic plan
  6. Cancel gym memberships and find free ways to get fit
  7. Cancel subscriptions that aren’t necessary

Simple Frugal Living Tips For Transportation

  1. Drive less- Walk or bike instead
  2. Don’t buy a brand new car. Believe me it’ll be a mistake, I’ve done it
  3. Take advantage of public transportation
  4. Slowly accelerate when driving- abruptly pumping the gas costs money
  5. Stay below the speed limit
  6. Don’t leave your engine idling for too long
  7. Buy discounted gas gift cards
  8. Treat your car with TLC by routine maintenance
  9. Clean out your car to remove excess weight
  10. Download gas savings apps like Gasbuddy
  11. Implement some of these road trip tips while traveling
  12. Be smart about your errands and combine them into fewer trips
  13. Keep tires at the proper pressure to save money on gas
  14. Be aware of toll routes that will require you to pay money
  15. Own one car instead of two
  16. Save up money to purchase your next car by using something like a sinking fund– Don’t finance!
  17. Wash/Detail your own car
  18. Do your own oil changes
  19. Carpool to work or school

Frugal Living Tips For Everyday Living

  1. Eat at home
  2. Pack your lunch and healthy snacks everyday
  3. Stop frequenting the coffee shop make your own
  4. Implement the 48 hour rule before making big money decisions
  5. Leave your credit cards at home
  6. Learn tricks to pay off your mortgage quickly
  7. Never pay full price – find a discount code or ask for one
  8. Learn to say no
  9. Enjoy the outdoors by going camping

Final Thoughts on Living Frugally

I know that this long list of ways to live more frugal may be overwhelming. Perhaps you have some of your own ideas of frugal living.

Please remember living frugally isn’t about deprivation or sacrifice its all about making intentional choices for a better life.

Once again choose a couple of the best frugal living tips and see how they work for you! Curious what my favorite frugal living tip is? My favorite way to save money and live a bit more frugally is by implementing frugal living tips to save you money around your house!

Don’t forget to share and pin for later! While you’re there, I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest

Best Frugal Living Tips: 150+ Frugal Living Tips To Start Today (2024)

FAQs

How to live extremely cheaply? ›

12 Tips for Frugal Living
  1. Choose quality over quantity. ...
  2. Prioritize value over price. ...
  3. Use credit wisely. ...
  4. Declutter regularly. ...
  5. Use a budget to guide your spending. ...
  6. Know the difference between wants and needs. ...
  7. Be a savvy consumer. ...
  8. Prioritize your values.
Oct 17, 2023

How to be extremely thrifty? ›

10 Extreme Frugal Living Tips That Actually Work
  1. Prepare for a Major Lifestyle Shift. ...
  2. Never Buy Impulsively. ...
  3. Use Technology To Cut Costs. ...
  4. Meal Prep Everything. ...
  5. Use Swap or Buy Nothing Groups. ...
  6. Buy Off-Season Goods. ...
  7. Cut Your Own Hair. ...
  8. Only Purchase Generic Items.
Dec 20, 2023

How can I live the most frugal life? ›

15 Frugal Living Tips
  • Tip 1: Differentiate between Luxury Spending vs Necessary Expenses. ‍ ...
  • Tip 2: Make Cuts in Your Spending. ...
  • Tip 3: Cap Your Spending. ...
  • Tip 4: Keep Receipts and Track Spending. ...
  • Tip 5: Think Twice Before You Buy. ...
  • Tip 6: Learn How to Bargain. ...
  • Tip 7: Reuse and Recycle. ...
  • Tip 8: Find Thrifted Furniture.

How to live frugally and be happy? ›

Become a savvy shopper by taking advantage of sales, discounts, and loyalty programs. Compare prices and explore different options to ensure you get the best deal before purchasing. Frugality doesn't need to mean compromising on quality. Invest in items that have longevity and provide value over time.

How to live like a cheapskate? ›

  1. Admit that you need a budget.
  2. Search for deals and discounts.
  3. Rethink your meals.
  4. Keep your home clean for a cheap.
  5. Don't be fooled by “Get Rich Quick” schemes.
  6. Use every drop wisely.
  7. Purchase used items.
Aug 22, 2023

How to start living without money? ›

How to live off the grid with no money
  1. Do a work exchange. If you're new to the off-grid life, a great way to start is through Worldpackers. ...
  2. Join an off-grid community. ...
  3. Find low-cost or free land. ...
  4. Construct a cabin or tiny house. ...
  5. Grow your own food. ...
  6. Fish responsibly. ...
  7. Forage for edible plants. ...
  8. Collect and filter water.

How to live on very little money? ›

These seven tips may be able to help.
  1. Understand your current financial habits. Not sure how to start spending less? ...
  2. Create an effective budget and stick to it. ...
  3. Look for ways to reduce spending. ...
  4. Set financial goals for future success. ...
  5. Save for emergencies or major purchases. ...
  6. Pay down debt. ...
  7. Stay aware of lifestyle creep.

How to live frugally on one income? ›

Living on a one-income budget
  1. Assess your financial situation. Start by understanding your current financial status. ...
  2. List fixed expenses. ...
  3. Track changing expenses. ...
  4. Differentiate needs vs. ...
  5. Set financial goals. ...
  6. Create an emergency savings fund. ...
  7. Allocate for savings. ...
  8. Start a debt repayment plan.

How to live simple life and save money? ›

8 simple ways to save money
  1. Record your expenses. The first step to start saving money is figuring out how much you spend. ...
  2. Include saving in your budget. ...
  3. Find ways to cut spending. ...
  4. Determine your financial priorities. ...
  5. Pick the right tools. ...
  6. Make saving automatic.
  7. Watch your savings grow.

What are frugal habits of millionaires? ›

You might be surprised to learn that many millionaires clip coupons, buy in bulk, wait for sales, scour eBay and Craigslist for deals, limit clothing purchases, fly coach, avoid credit cards, and save half their restaurant meal for lunch the next day--habits that can free up cash for the occasional splurge.

How can I enjoy life with less money? ›

Whatever your situation, here are 13 fun things to do that don't cost money with friends and family:
  1. Go on a picnic. ...
  2. Go to no-cost museum and zoo days. ...
  3. Give geocaching a try. ...
  4. Leverage your chamber of commerce. ...
  5. Take a historical city tour. ...
  6. Visit a farmers market. ...
  7. Go camping. ...
  8. Do a photography challenge.
Feb 14, 2024

How to live like the Great Depression? ›

That said, here are 27 great depression frugal living tips and ideas we can all learn from:
  1. Make your own soap. ...
  2. Wear clothes more than once before washing. ...
  3. Keep warm with a hot water bottle at night. ...
  4. Learn a few sewing skills. ...
  5. Do all your errands one day a week or less. ...
  6. Track your spending. ...
  7. Make a herb garden.
Jan 19, 2024

How to be extremely frugal? ›

Here are some of the ways to embrace a frugal lifestyle.
  1. Make A Budget. ...
  2. Rein In Entertainment And Dining Out. ...
  3. Save Money On Groceries And Home Goods. ...
  4. Slash Money On Home Expenses. ...
  5. Spend More Effectively On Self-Care. ...
  6. Find Ways To Cost-Cut On Necessities. ...
  7. Make The Most Of Your Spending. ...
  8. Reconsider Unneeded Spending.
May 4, 2023

How can I live poor but happy? ›

15 Tips to be Happy if You are Poor
  1. 1 – Appreciate Everything You Have.
  2. 2 – Our Current Circumstances are Temporary.
  3. 3 – Practice Self-Care.
  4. 4 – Believe in Yourself.
  5. 5 – Look for Inspiration in Books.
  6. 7 – Do Fun Activities.
  7. 9 – Associate with Like Minded People.
  8. 10 – Set Realistic Goals.
Jan 29, 2024

How can I live a fulfilling life without money? ›

How To Be Happier Without Spending a Lot of Money
  1. Strengthen Bonds With Family and Friends. ...
  2. Create a Gratitude Journal. ...
  3. Go for a Walk. ...
  4. Define 'Fun' for You. ...
  5. Start a Pay-It-Forward Line. ...
  6. Say 'No' ...
  7. Smile Even If You Don't Feel Like It. ...
  8. Strive for Serenity and Security.
Sep 29, 2020

How do you live on extreme budget? ›

Keep from being miserable while living on a tight budget
  1. Make a sensible budget and stick to it. If you're looking to cut down on frivolous spending, we applaud you. ...
  2. Give yourself a little room. ...
  3. Don't change your lifestyle completely. ...
  4. Learn to cook. ...
  5. Don't hide your budget. ...
  6. The bottom line.

How to live on under $1,000 a month? ›

How to Live on $1,000 a Month
  1. Assess Your Situation. You can't really learn how to manage your money better if you don't know where you're starting from. ...
  2. Separate Needs From Wants. ...
  3. Lower Your Housing Costs. ...
  4. Get Rid of Your Car. ...
  5. Eat at Home. ...
  6. Negotiate Your Bills. ...
  7. Learn to Barter and Trade. ...
  8. Get Rid of Debt.

How can I live off very little money? ›

These seven tips may be able to help.
  1. Understand your current financial habits. Not sure how to start spending less? ...
  2. Create an effective budget and stick to it. ...
  3. Look for ways to reduce spending. ...
  4. Set financial goals for future success. ...
  5. Save for emergencies or major purchases. ...
  6. Pay down debt. ...
  7. Stay aware of lifestyle creep.

How do you live off a low salary? ›

17 Tips for Living on Minimum Wage
  1. Evaluate Your Overall Spending. ...
  2. Create and Stick to a Budget. ...
  3. Put Some Money Towards Savings. ...
  4. Look Into Government Benefits. ...
  5. Save on Food. ...
  6. Find Additional Ways to Increase Your Income. ...
  7. Lower Your Housing Costs. ...
  8. ​​Work Towards Reducing Your Debt.

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